How do I know if I have gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a disease process that has certain clinical signs. The most common sign is bleeding of the gums. Patients will usually notice this when they're brushing or flossing their teeth.
What are some common causes of gingivitis?
The most common cause of gingivitis is bacteria that's on the teeth that the patient cannot or has not been able to remove.
What problems can gingivitis cause if not treated?
Gingivitis is an asymptomatic disease process, meaning that patients often don't see or feel much of anything. The reason why I mention this is this can progress into a more serious, irreversible disease process called periodontitis. In this situation, gum and bone-supporting tissues around the teeth are removed as a defense mechanism because the bacteria continues to attack the body. This can eventually lead to tooth loss.
What treatment options are available for gingivitis?
For gingivitis, the key is to make sure that all the bacteria is removed off of the teeth. The first treatment option would be to have a hygienist professionally clean the teeth, get any hard pieces of tartar buildup or calculus, different names for bacteria on the teeth, that patients cannot remove. Once the professional cleaning has been performed in the office, treatment options are going to be focused on adequate home care to make sure the bacteria does not rebuild quickly.
How long does it take to treat gingivitis?
Gingivitis takes an office visit, and after the in-office visit, appropriate home care should resolve the disease process within 7 to 10 days.
How can I schedule a dental exam?
To get your dental exam and gingivitis treated, please give us a call at (850) 909-9731. We look forward to seeing you soon.